Full-Root-Radius-Threaded Wing Nut Having Increased Wall Thickness

ABSTRACT

According to one aspect, a hammer union includes a female sub; a male sub; and a wing nut that is concentrically disposed about the female and male subs. The wing nut includes a body having first and second end surfaces, and an exterior surface extending therebetween; a passage extending through the body from the first to second end surface that defines an interior surface of the body; an internal shoulder formed by the interior surface; an internal threaded connection that extends from the first end surface and towards the internal shoulder; and lugs extending radially from the exterior surface. In one aspect, the body has a wall thickness defined between the interior and exterior surfaces, with a greater wall thickness at the internal shoulder than at the first end surface; the internal threaded connection has a full-root radius; and a lug that extends along the axial length of the body.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.15/182,192 filed Jun. 14, 2016, which claims the benefit of U.S.application Ser. No. 62/286,079 filed Jan. 22, 2016 and U.S. ApplicationNo. 62/175,838 filed Jun. 15, 2015, the entire disclosure of which ishereby incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates in general to a wing nut of a hammer union and,in particular, to a full-radius-threaded wing nut having an increasedwall thickness.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

Threaded pipe unions, which are often called “hammer unions,” generallyinclude a male sub, a threaded wing nut, and a female sub. These hammerunions often form a part of a system that is used to facilitate oil andgas exploration and production operations. One example is a hydraulicfracturing (or “frac”) system, which pumps fluid to a wellhead for thepurpose of propagating factures in a formation through which a wellboreextends, the wellhead being the surface termination of the wellbore.When used in a frac system, the threaded wing nut may be subjected tohigh stress, which may result in cracks propagating near a threadedportion of the wing nut. These cracks often lead to failure of thehammer union. Therefore, what is needed is an apparatus that addressesone or more of the foregoing issues or other(s).

SUMMARY

In a first aspect, there is provided a hammer union, that includes athreaded female sub; a male sub; and a threaded wing nut that isconcentrically disposed about each of the threaded female sub and themale sub to couple the female sub to the male sub; wherein the threadedwing nut includes: a body having an axial length defined between firstand second end surfaces, the body having an exterior surface extendingbetween the first and second end surfaces; a passage axially extendingthrough the body from the first end surface to the second end surface,wherein the passage defines an interior surface of the body; a firstinternal shoulder formed in the body and defining a portion of thepassage; an internal threaded connection formed by the interior surfacethat extends from the first end surface and towards the first internalshoulder; and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced lugs extendingradially from the exterior surface of the body; wherein the body has avariable wall thickness defined between the interior surface of the bodyand the exterior surface of the body, with the variable wall thicknessat the internal shoulder being greater than the variable wall thicknessat the first end surface; wherein the internal threaded connection has afull-root radius; and wherein a first lug of the plurality of lugsextends along the axial length of the body.

In an exemplary embodiment, the variable wall thickness at the firstinternal shoulder is greater than the variable wall thickness at thefirst end surface; and the variable wall thickness at the internalshoulder is about 0.75 inches and the variable wall thickness at thefirst end surface is about 0.6 inches.

In another exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface of the bodydefines an outer circumference and an outer diameter; a first lug of theplurality of lugs defines a width measured along a line that istangential to the outer circumference of the body; and the ratio of theouter diameter of the body to the width of the first lug is betweenabout 2.5 and about 5.5.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter of the body isabout seven inches; and the width of the first lug is about two inchessuch that the ratio of the outer diameter of the body to the width ofthe first lug is about 3.5.

In certain embodiments, the variable wall thickness at the internalshoulder being greater than the variable wall thickness at the first endsurface results in increased rigidity of the body; the internal threadedconnection having a full-root radius reduces the amount of stressexerted on the internal threaded connection; and the first lug of theplurality of lugs extending along the axial length of the body increasesthe durability of the wing nut.

In an exemplary embodiment, the threaded wing nut further includes asecond internal shoulder formed by the interior surface of the body; andthe second internal shoulder defines another portion of the passage thatis axially positioned between the internal threaded connection and thefirst internal shoulder.

In another exemplary embodiment, the internal threaded connection of thewing nut is adapted to engage a corresponding external threadedconnection of the threaded female sub to couple the threaded female subto the male sub.

In a second aspect, there is provided a wing nut for a hammer union thatincludes: a body having an axial length defined between first and secondend surfaces, the body having an exterior surface extending between thefirst and second end surfaces; a passage axially extending through thebody from the first end surface to the second end surface, wherein thepassage defines an interior surface of the body; a first internalshoulder formed by the interior surface of the body and defining aportion of the passage; an internal threaded connection formed by theinterior surface of the body and defining another portion of thepassage, wherein the internal threaded connection extends from the firstend surface and towards the first internal shoulder; and a plurality ofcircumferentially-spaced lugs extending radially from the exteriorsurface of the body; wherein: the body has a variable wall thicknessdefined between the interior surface of the body and the exteriorsurface of the body, with the variable wall thickness at the firstinternal shoulder being greater than the variable wall thickness at thefirst end surface; the internal threaded connection has a full-rootradius; or a first lug of the plurality of lugs extends along the axiallength of the body.

In an exemplary embodiment, the internal threaded connection has thefull-root radius.

In another exemplary embodiment, the internal threaded connection havingthe full-root radius reduces the amount of stress exerted on theinternal threaded connection.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first lug of the plurality oflugs extends along the axial length of the body.

In certain exemplary embodiments, the first lug extending along theaxial length of the body increases the durability of the wing nut.

In an exemplary embodiment, the body has the variable wall thicknessdefined between the interior surface of the body and the exteriorsurface of the body, with the variable wall thickness at the firstinternal shoulder being greater than the variable wall thickness at thefirst end surface.

In another exemplary embodiment, the variable wall thickness at thefirst internal shoulder being greater than the variable wall thicknessat the first end surface results in increased rigidity of the body.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the exterior surface of the bodydefines an outer circumference and an outer diameter; wherein the firstlug of the plurality of lugs extends along the axial length of the body;wherein the first lug of the plurality of lugs defines a width measuredalong a line that is tangential to the outer circumference of the body;and wherein the ratio of the outer diameter of the body to the width ofthe first lug is between about 2.5 and about 5.5.

In certain embodiments, the outer diameter of the body is about seveninches; and the width of the first lug is about two inches such that theratio of the outer diameter of the body to the width of the first lug isabout 3.5.

In an exemplary embodiment, a the internal threaded connection of thewing nut is adapted to engage a corresponding external threadedconnection of a female sub to couple the female sub to a male sub and atleast partially form the hammer union.

In another exemplary embodiment, the variable wall thickness at thefirst internal shoulder is about 0.75 inches and the variable wallthickness at the first end surface is about 0.6 inches.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first lug of the plurality oflugs extends along the axial length of the body and the internalthreaded connection has the full-root radius.

In certain embodiments, the first lug of the plurality of lugs extendsalong the axial length of the body, the internal threaded connection hasthe full-root radius, and the body has the variable wall thicknessdefined between the interior surface of the body and the exteriorsurface of the body, with the variable wall thickness at the firstinternal shoulder being greater than the variable wall thickness at thefirst end surface.

In an exemplary embodiment, the first lug of the plurality of lugsextends along the axial length of the body and the body has the variablewall thickness defined between the interior surface of the body and theexterior surface of the body, with the variable wall thickness at thefirst internal shoulder being greater than the variable wall thicknessat the first end surface.

In another exemplary embodiment, the internal threaded connection hasthe full-root radius and the body has the variable wall thicknessdefined between the interior surface of the body and the exteriorsurface of the body, with the variable wall thickness at the firstinternal shoulder being greater than the variable wall thickness at thefirst end surface.

DESCRIPTION OF FIGURES

The accompanying drawings facilitate an understanding of the variousembodiments.

FIG. 1 is a side view with a partial cut out of a hammer union,according to an exemplary embodiment, the hammer union including a wingnut.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the wing nut of FIG. 1, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 2, according to anexemplary embodiment, the wing nut including a threaded connection.

FIG. 4 is another sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 2, according toan exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a side view of the wing nut of FIG. 2, according to anexemplary embodiment.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged portion of the threaded connection of the wing nutof FIG. 3, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wing nut,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 7, according to anexemplary embodiment, the wing nut including a threaded connection and adouble shoulder.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of the double shoulder of the wing nut ofFIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged view of the threaded connection of the wing nutof FIG. 8, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wing nut,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 11, according to anexemplary embodiment, the wing nut including a threaded connection and adouble shoulder.

FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the double shoulder of the wing nut ofFIG. 12, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of the threaded connection of the wing nutof FIG. 12, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 15 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wing nut,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 16 is a sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 15, according to anexemplary embodiment, the wing nut including a threaded connection and ashoulder.

FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the shoulder of the wing nut of FIG. 16,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 18 is an enlarged view of the threaded connection of the wing nutof FIG. 16, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wing nut,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 19, according to anexemplary embodiment, the wing nut including a threaded connection and ashoulder.

FIG. 21 is an enlarged view of the shoulder of the wing nut of FIG. 19,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged view of the threaded connection of the wing nutof FIG. 19, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wing nut,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 24 is a sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 23, according to anexemplary embodiment, the wing nut including a threaded connection and ashoulder.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged view of the shoulder of the wing nut of FIG. 24,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 26 is an enlarged view of the threaded connection of the wing nutof FIG. 24, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 27 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wing nut,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 28 is a sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 27, according to anexemplary embodiment, the wing nut including a threaded connection and ashoulder.

FIG. 29 is an enlarged view of the shoulder of the wing nut of FIG. 28,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 30 is an enlarged view of the threaded connection of the wing nutof FIG. 28, according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 31 is a side view of an exemplary embodiment of a wing nut,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the wing nut of FIG. 31, according to anexemplary embodiment, the wing nut including a threaded connection and ashoulder.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged view of the shoulder of the wing nut of FIG. 32,according to an exemplary embodiment.

FIG. 34 is an enlarged view of the threaded connection of the wing nutof FIG. 32, according to an exemplary embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In an exemplary embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, a hammer union isgenerally referred to by the reference numeral 10 and includes a malesub 15, a threaded female sub 20, a wing nut 22, a seal ring 25, aplurality of retainer segments 30, and a retainer ring 33. Generally,the female sub 20 is concentrically disposed about the seal ring 25,with the seal ring 25 engaging both the female sub 20 and the male sub15. Opposing faces of the female sub 20 and male sub 15 are engaged andthe plurality of retainer segments 30, which are held together using theretainer ring 33, are concentrically disposed about the male sub 15. Thewing nut 22 is concentrically disposed about each of the male sub 15,the plurality of retainer segments 30, the seal ring 25, and the femalesub 20 to couple the male sub 15 to the female sub 20.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and/or 3, the wing nut 22 has a body 35 having anaxial length 40 defined between a first end surface 45 and a second endsurface 50. The body 35 also has an exterior surface 55 extendingbetween the first and second end surfaces 45 and 50. The wing nut 22also includes a passage 60 axially extending through the body 35 fromthe first end surface 45 to the second end surface 50. The passage 60defines an interior surface 65 of the body 35. An internal shoulder 70is formed in the body 35 and defines a portion of the passage 60. Thewing nut 22 also has an internal threaded connection 75 formed by theinterior surface 65 that extends from the first end surface 45 andtowards the internal shoulder 70. The wing nut 22 also hascircumferentially-spaced lugs 80 a, 80 b, and 80 c extending radiallyfrom the exterior surface 55 of the body 35.

As shown in FIG. 3, the body 35 has a variable wall thickness 85 definedbetween the interior surface 65 of the body 35 and the exterior surface55 of the body 35, with a variable wall thickness 85 a at the internalshoulder 70 being greater than a variable wall thickness 85 b at or nearthe first end surface 45. In an exemplary embodiment, and when the wingnut 22 is a three (3) inch nominal pipe size wing nut, the variable wallthickness 85 a at the internal shoulder is about 0.75 inches and thevariable wall thickness 85 b at or near the first end surface 45 isabout 0.6 inches. However, the variable wall thickness 85 a may also beabout 0.7 inches and the variable wall thickness 85 b at or near thefirst end surface 45 may be about 0.54 inches. The variable wallthickness 85 may vary along the axial length 40 of the body 35, with thevariable wall thickness 85 increased at locations that are expected toexperience high stress. For example, the body 35 may form a radiallyextending face 90 that engages the plurality of retainer segments 30,which may apply a force in the direction indicated by the numeral 95 inFIG. 3 (“the direction 95”) to the face 90. Additionally, the femalethreaded sub 20 engages the threaded connection 75 and may apply a forcein the direction indicated by the numeral 100 in FIG. 3 (“the direction100”) to the threaded connection 75 and the wing nut 22. In an exemplaryembodiment, cracks often form in the portion of the body 35 that extendsbetween the face 90 and the threaded connection 75. Thus, the variablewall thickness 85 associated with this area may be increased relative toother portions of the body 35 to increase the rigidity of the body 35and the wing nut 22. Additionally, the variable wall thickness 85 b maybe greater than a corresponding wall thickness in a conventional wingnut.

In an exemplary embodiment, the increased wall thickness 85 may preventfailure of the wing nut 22 by preventing cracks or other failures fromoccurring near the internal threaded connection 75. In an exemplaryembodiment, the increased wall thickness 85 reinforces areas within thewing nut 22 that are expected to undergo high stress.

The outer surface of lug 80 a includes a first portion 105 extending inthe direction 100 from the second surface 50 by a first portion length110 and a second portion 115 extending in the direction 95 from thefirst surface 45 and towards the first portion 105. In an exemplaryembodiment the ratio of the axial length 40 of the body 35 to the firstportion length 110 is between about one and about three. In an exemplaryembodiment, and when the wing nut 22 is a three (3) inch nominal pipesize wing nut, the axial length 40 of the body 35 is about 2.75 inchesand the first portion length 110 is about 1.75 such that the ratio isabout 1.57. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial length 40 of the body35 is equal to or substantially equal (within 10%) to the first portionlength 110 and a length of the second portion 115. That is, the lug 80 aextends along the axial length 40 of the body 35.

As shown in FIG. 4, the first portion 105 has a thickness 120 definedbetween the exterior surface 55 of the body 35 and an exterior surface123 of the lug 80 a. Additionally, the second portion 115 has athickness 125 defined between the exterior surface 55 of the body 35 andthe exterior surface 123 of the lug 80 a. In an exemplary embodiment,the thickness 125 of the second portion 115 varies from a maximum heightat a location where the first portion 105 and the second portion 115join to a minimum height at the first surface 45. Accordingly, thethickness 125 is equal to or less than the thickness 120. In anexemplary embodiment, the thickness 120 is between about 5 inches toabout 1 inch. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness 120 is betweenabout 1 inch and about 2 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, and whenthe wing nut 22 is a three (3) inch nominal pipe size wing nut, thethickness 120 is about 1.34 inches. However, the thickness 120 may alsobe about 1.05 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness 125 isbetween about 2.5 inches to about 1 inch. In an exemplary embodiment,the thickness 125 is between about 1 inch and about 0.25 inches. In anexemplary embodiment, the thickness 125 at the first end surface 45 isabout 0.5 inches.

As shown in FIG. 5, the exterior surface 55 of the body 35 defines anouter circumference 130 and an outer diameter 135. The lug 80 a definesa width 140 measured along a line 145 that is tangential to the outercircumference 130 of the body 35. In an exemplary embodiment, the ratioof the outer diameter 135 of the body 35 to the width 140 of the lug 80a is between about 2.5 and about 5.5. In an exemplary embodiment andwhen the wing nut 22 is a three (3) inch nominal pipe size wing nut, theouter diameter 135 of the body 35 is about 6.9 inches and the width 140of the lug 80 a is about two inches such that the ratio of the outerdiameter 135 to the width 140 of the lug 80 a is about 3.45.

As shown in FIG. 6, and when the wing nut 22 is a three (3) inch wingnut, the internal threaded connection 75 has a full-root radius, asindicated as the radius R on FIG. 6, of 0.053 inches. However, theinternal threaded connection 75 may have a full-full root radius of 0.06inches or 0.07 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal threadedconnection 75 has a National Acme Thread Form and thus a pitch angle, asindicated as the angle A in FIG. 6, of 29 degrees. In an exemplaryembodiment, the internal threaded connection 75 has a National AcmeThread Form and thus a pitch angle of 29 degrees, and has a full-rootradius of 0.053 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the internalthreaded connection 75 having a full-root radius reduces the amount ofstress experienced in body of the wing nut 22 near the internal threadedconnection 75.

FIGS. 7-10 illustrate an embodiment of a wing nut 150 that issubstantially similar to the wing nut 22 and that includes severalcomponents of the wing nut 22, which components are given the samereference numerals. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing nut 150 is athree (3) inch nominal pipe size wing nut and includes a second internalshoulder 155 disposed between the threaded connection 75 and theinternal shoulder 70. As such, the internal shoulder 155 is formed bythe interior surface 65 of the body 35 and defines a portion of thepassage 60 that is axially positioned between the internal threadedconnection 75 and the internal shoulder 70. Thus, the internal threadedconnection 75 formed by the interior surface 65 may extend from thefirst end surface 45 and towards the internal shoulders 70 and 155. Inan exemplary embodiment, the second internal shoulder 155 reduceslocalized stresses within the wing nut 150 to prevent or at least reducefailure of the wing nut 150. The variable wall thickness 85 a of thewing nut 150 at the internal shoulder 70 is about 0.785 inches and thevariable wall thickness 85 b at or near the first surface 45 is about0.568 inches. Additionally, a variable wall thickness 85 c at the secondinternal shoulder 155 is about 0.68 inches. Additionally, the axiallength 40 of the body 35 is about 2.75 inches and the first portionlength 110 is about 1.75 such that the ratio of the axial length 40 tothe first portion length 110 is about 1.57. In an exemplary embodiment,the thickness 120 is about 1.05 and the thickness 125 at the first endsurface 45 is about 0.48 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the outerdiameter 135 of the body 35 is about 6.9 inches and the width 140 of thelug 80 a is about 1.94 inches such that the ratio of the outer diameter135 to the width 140 of the lug 80 a is about 3.55. Moreover, theinternal threaded connection 75 has a full-root radius, as indicated asthe radius R on FIG. 10, of 0.05 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, theinternal threaded connection 75 has a National Acme Thread Form and thusa pitch angle, as indicated as the angle A in FIG. 10, of 29 degrees.

FIGS. 11-14 illustrate an embodiment of a wing nut 160 that issubstantially similar to the wing nut 22 and that includes severalcomponents of the wing nut 22, which components are given the samereference numerals. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing nut 160 is athree (3) inch nominal pipe size wing nut and includes a second internalshoulder 165 disposed between the threaded connection 75 and theinternal shoulder 70. As such, the internal shoulder 165 is formed bythe interior surface 65 of the body 35 and defines a portion of thepassage 60 that is axially positioned between the internal threadedconnection 75 and the internal shoulder 70. Thus, the internal threadedconnection 75 formed by the interior surface 65 may extend from thefirst end surface 45 and towards the internal shoulders 70 and 165. Inan exemplary embodiment, the second internal shoulder 165 reduceslocalized stresses within the wing nut 160 to prevent or at least reducefailure of the wing nut 160. The variable wall thickness 85 a of thewing nut 160 at the internal shoulder 70 is about 0.785 inches and thevariable wall thickness 85 b at or near the first surface 45 is about0.54 inches. Additionally, the variable wall thickness 85 c at thesecond internal shoulder 165 is about 0.68 inches. Additionally, theaxial length 40 of the body 35 is about 2.75 inches and the firstportion length 110 is about 1.75 such that the ratio of the axial length40 to the first portion length 110 is about 1.57. In an exemplaryembodiment, the thickness 120 is about 1.05 and the thickness 125 isabout 0.48 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter 135 ofthe body 35 is about 6.9 inches and the width 140 of the lug 80 a isabout 1.94 inches such that the ratio of the outer diameter 135 to thewidth 140 of the lug 80 a is about 3.55. Moreover, the internal threadedconnection 75 has a full-root radius, as indicated as the radius R onFIG. 14, of 0.05 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the internalthreaded connection 75 has a National Acme Thread Form and thus a pitchangle, as indicated as the angle A in FIG. 14, of 29 degrees.

FIGS. 15-18 illustrate an embodiment of a wing nut 170 that issubstantially similar to the wing nut 22 and that includes severalcomponents of the wing nut 22, which components are given the samereference numerals. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing nut 170 is atwo (2) inch nominal pipe size wing nut and the variable wall thickness85 a at the internal shoulder is about 0.67 inches and the variable wallthickness 85 b at or near the first end surface 45 is about 0.44 inches.Additionally, the axial length 40 of the body 35 is about 2.53 inchesand the first portion length 110 is about 1.5 such that the ratio of theaxial length 40 to the first portion length 110 is about 1.68. In anexemplary embodiment, the thickness 120 is about 1.06 and the thickness125 at the first end surface 45 is about 0.42 inches. In an exemplaryembodiment, the outer diameter 135 of the body 35 is about 5.6 inchesand the width 140 of the lug 80 a is about 1.88 inches such that theratio of the outer diameter 135 to the width 140 of the lug 80 a isabout 2.97. Moreover, the internal threaded connection 75 has afull-root radius, as indicated as the radius R on FIG. 18, of 0.06inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal threaded connection 75has a National Acme Thread Form and thus a pitch angle, as indicated asthe angle A in FIG. 18, of 29 degrees.

FIGS. 19-23 illustrate an embodiment of a wing nut 175 that issubstantially similar to the wing nut 22 and that includes severalcomponents of the wing nut 22, which components are given the samereference numerals. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing nut 175 is atwo (2) inch nominal pipe size wing nut and the variable wall thickness85 a at the internal shoulder is about 0.67 inches and the variable wallthickness 85 b at or near the first end surface 45 is about 0.44 inches.Additionally, the axial length 40 of the body 35 is about 2.53 inchesand the first portion length 110 is about 1.5 such that the ratio of theaxial length 40 to the first portion length 110 is about 1.68. In anexemplary embodiment, the thickness 120 is about 1.06 and the thickness125 at the first end surface 45 is about 0.42 inches. In an exemplaryembodiment, the outer diameter 135 of the body 35 is about 5.6 inchesand the width 140 of the lug 80 a is about 1.88 inches such that theratio of the outer diameter 135 to the width 140 of the lug 80 a isabout 2.97. Moreover, the internal threaded connection 75 has afull-root radius, as indicated as the radius R on FIG. 22, of 0.06inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal threaded connection 75has a National Acme Thread Form and thus a pitch angle, as indicated asthe angle A in FIG. 22, of 29 degrees.

FIGS. 23-26 illustrate an embodiment of a wing nut 180 that issubstantially similar to the wing nut 22 and that includes severalcomponents of the wing nut 22, which components are given the samereference numerals. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing nut 180 is afour (4) inch nominal pipe size wing nut and the variable wall thickness85 a at the internal shoulder is about 1.31 inches and the variable wallthickness 85 b at or near the first end surface 45 is about 0.94 inches.In an exemplary embodiment, the axial length 40 of the body 35 is about3.63 inches and the first portion length 110 is about 2.25 such that theratio of the axial length 40 to the first portion length 110 is about1.61. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness 120 is about 1.375inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness 125 at the first endsurface 45 is about 0.588 inches. In an exemplary embodiment the outerdiameter 135 of the body 35 is about 9.25 inches and the width 140 ofthe lug 80 a is about two (2) inches such that the ratio of the outerdiameter 135 to the width 140 of the lug 80 a is about 4.6. Moreover,the internal threaded connection 75 has a full-root radius, as indicatedas the radius R on FIG. 26, of 0.07 inches. In an exemplary embodiment,the internal threaded connection 75 has a National Acme Thread Form andthus a pitch angle, as indicated as the angle A in FIG. 26, of 29degrees.

FIGS. 27-30 illustrate an embodiment of a wing nut 185 that issubstantially similar to the wing nut 22 and that includes severalcomponents of the wing nut 22, which components are given the samereference numerals. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing nut 185 is afour (4) inch nominal pipe size wing nut the variable wall thickness 85a at the internal shoulder is about 0.605 inches and the variable wallthickness 85 b at or near the first end surface 45 is about 0.4 inches.In some exemplary embodiments, the width 140 of the lug 80 a may beabout 2.13 inches and the outer diameter 135 of the body 35 is about7.66 inches such that the ratio of the outer diameter 135 to the width140 is about 3.59. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness 120 isabout 1.17 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the thickness 125 isabout 0.375 inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the axial length 40 ofthe body 35 is about 3 inches and the first portion length 110 is about1.75 such that the ratio of the length 40 to the first portion length110 is about 1.7. Moreover, the internal threaded connection 75 has afull-root radius, as indicated as the radius R on FIG. 30, of 0.07inches. In an exemplary embodiment, the internal threaded connection 75has a National Acme Thread Form and thus a pitch angle, as indicated asthe angle A in FIG. 30, of 29 degrees.

FIGS. 31-34 illustrate an embodiment of a wing nut 190 that issubstantially similar to the wing nut 22 and that includes severalcomponents of the wing nut 22, which components are given the samereference numerals. In an exemplary embodiment, the wing nut 190 is afour (4) inch nominal pipe size wing nut the variable wall thickness 85a at the internal shoulder is about 0.605 inches. In some exemplaryembodiments, the width 140 of the lug 80 a may be about 2.13 inches andthe outer diameter 135 of the body 35 is about 7.66 inches such that theratio of the outer diameter 135 to the width 140 is about 3.59. In anexemplary embodiment, the thickness 120 is about 1.17 inches. In anexemplary embodiment, the axial length 40 of the body 35 is about 2.25inches and the first portion length 110 is about 1.75 such that theratio of the length 40 to the first portion length 110 is about 1.28.Moreover, the internal threaded connection 75 has a full-root radius, asindicated as the radius Ron FIG. 34, of 0.07 inches. In an exemplaryembodiment, the internal threaded connection 75 has a National AcmeThread Form and thus a pitch angle, as indicated as the angle A in FIG.34, of 29 degrees.

In an exemplary embodiment, the lugs 80 a, 80 b, and 80 c extendingalong the axial length 40 of the body 35 increases the durability of thewing nuts 22, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 185, and 190 and the hammer union10. Additionally, the lugs 80 a, 80 b, and 80 c having a length that isequal to or substantially equal to (within 10%) of the axial length 40of the body 35 increases the surface area on which a sledgehammer orother tool may contact the wing nuts 22, 150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 185,and 190 when the hammer union 10 is assembled. Additionally, thethickness and shape of the lugs 80 a, 80 b, 80 c, each of which isdescribed as the outer surface extending along the axial length 40 ofthe body 35, may increase the number of cycles before the wing nuts 22,150, 160, 170, 175, 180, 185, and 190 are fatigued, or may increase thefatigue life.

In an exemplary embodiment, the hammer union 10 is available in a widerange of sizes and in working pressures to 20,000 psi or even 30,000psi. In an exemplary embodiment, the hammer union 10 provides apressure-tight, positive seal and is available for standard service andsour gas models. In an exemplary embodiment, the hammer union 10 is usedto connect two flow line components in a variety of well serviceapplications, such as for example to connect two flow line componentswithin a hydraulic frac system. However, the hammer union 10 may be usedwith cementing trucks, a variety of different manifolds (fixed, etc.), avariety of different trailers (e.g., missile, manifold), and highpressure equipment, such as equipment within a hydraulic frac system.

In the foregoing description of certain embodiments, specificterminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, thedisclosure is not intended to be limited to the specific terms soselected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includesother technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner toaccomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “left” and right”,“front” and “rear”, “above” and “below” and the like are used as wordsof convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construedas limiting terms.

In this specification, the word “comprising” is to be understood in its“open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limitedto its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of”. Acorresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words“comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of theinvention(s), and alterations, modifications, additions and/or changescan be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of thedisclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and notrestrictive.

Furthermore, invention(s) have described in connection with what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to thedisclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover variousmodifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit andscope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described abovemay be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., aspectsof one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment torealize yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature orcomponent of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

What is claimed is:
 1. A wing nut for a hammer union, the wing nutcomprising: a body having an axial length defined between first andsecond end surfaces, the body having an exterior surface extendingbetween the first and second end surfaces; a passage axially extendingthrough the body from the first end surface to the second end surface,wherein the passage defines an interior surface of the body; a firstinternal shoulder formed by the interior surface of the body anddefining a portion of the passage; an internal threaded connectionformed by the interior surface of the body and defining another portionof the passage, wherein the internal threaded connection extends fromthe first end surface and towards the first internal shoulder, and theinternal threaded connection having a full-root radius such that eachthread comprises a rounded crest having a radius; a second internalshoulder formed by the interior surface of the body and defining aportion of the passage; wherein the second internal shoulder is axiallypositioned between the internal threaded connection and the firstinternal shoulder; and a plurality of circumferentially-spaced lugsextending radially from the exterior surface of the body; wherein afirst lug of the plurality of lugs extends along the entirety of theaxial length of the body; wherein the body has a variable wall thicknessdefined between the interior surface of the body and the exteriorsurface of the body; and wherein the variable wall thickness at thefirst internal shoulder is greater than the variable wall thickness atthe second internal shoulder.
 2. The wing nut of claim 1, wherein thefirst lug extending along the entirety of the axial length of the bodyincreases the durability of the wing nut.
 3. The wing nut of claim 1,wherein the variable wall thickness at the first internal shoulder isgreater than the variable wall thickness at the first end surface. 4.The wing nut of claim 3, wherein the variable wall thickness at thefirst internal shoulder being greater than the variable wall thicknessat the first end surface results in increased rigidity of the body. 5.The wing nut of claim 1, wherein the exterior surface of the bodydefines an outer circumference and an outer diameter; wherein the firstlug of the plurality of lugs defines a width measured along a line thatis tangential to the outer circumference of the body; and wherein theratio of the outer diameter of the body to the width of the first lug isbetween about 2.5 and about 5.5.
 6. The wing nut of claim 5, wherein theouter diameter of the body is about seven inches; and wherein the widthof the first lug is about two inches such that the ratio of the outerdiameter of the body to the width of the first lug is about 3.5.
 7. Thewing nut of claim 1, wherein the internal threaded connection of thewing nut is adapted to engage a corresponding external threadedconnection of a female sub to couple the female sub to a male sub and atleast partially form the hammer union.
 8. The wing nut of claim 1,wherein the variable wall thickness at the first internal shoulder isabout 0.75 inches and the variable wall thickness at the first endsurface is about 0.6 inches.
 9. The wing nut of claim 1, wherein thevariable wall thickness at the first internal shoulder is greater thanthe variable wall thickness at the first end surface.
 10. The wing nutof claim 1, wherein the internal threaded connection has a National AcmeThread Form having a pitch angle of 29 degrees.
 11. The wing nut ofclaim 1, further comprising a plurality of retainer segmentsconcentrically disposed about a male sub of the hammer union, whereinthe plurality of retainer segments is radially positioned between themale sub and the threaded wing nut such that the threaded wing nut isconcentrically disposed about the male sub but the interior surface ofthe body of the wing nut is spaced radially from the male sub.